ROB WYN YATES

As the German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer once said,
“Geometry is the foundation of all painting”.This rings especially true for Rob Wyn
Yates, whose acrylic paintings achieve spatial realism using shape and colour with form to convey
three-dimensional depictions. It’s not all about the painting though;WynYates sources antique
frames that work in harmony with the artwork to give them a universal appeal, adding character to
both minimalist interiors and period properties with a rare effortlessness.

AS WE LAUNCH OUR SUMMER ’19 COLLECTION
FEATURING EXCLUSIVE ARTWORK BY ROB WYN YATES,
WE ASKED HIM ABOUT HIS INSPIRATIONS, DREAMS AND FUTURE PLANS.

When did you establish your signature style?

I’ve always painted but throughout time my style has evolved and continuing
threads have emerged. Contrast and colour, together with form and shadow have always brought
balance and progression to my work.

You use a lot of antique frames for your paintings, where did
this idea stem from?

Why should a frame for a painting always be an afterthought? The ‘whole’
can be much more powerful than the ‘separates’. I always wanted to bring the synergy
of the two together. This probably stemmed from a painting I was left by my Parisian
grandfather, which seemed to have the perfect balance between the two.

What was the starting point for your designs for Orlebar
Brown?

A strong brief is the start of any creative process. From there, bringing balance to
the compositions with colour and form was my challenge and I’m delighted with the result.

Can you describe a typical day in your studio?

Having just moved into a new studio nothing is typical nor would I want it to be.
Chaos reigns but order is slowly being introduced. One thing is for sure - I love it!

What would be your dream commission?

Filling the turbine hall at Tate Modern using scale and geometry and then turning
the private view into a nightclub.

Who or what inspires you?

I’ve always had a great passion for art, design, fashion and interiors but
think ultimately nature is the start of everything. Strong contrasts and colour I’ve
always found inspiring and this can be found anywhere, from the intricate balance of a
bird’s plumage, the shadow of a skyscraper, to the construction of a garment.

What do you love most about Suffolk?

All sorts of things really, from the mix of people, swimming in the sea, emptiness
without remoteness, the nature, great food and of course Latitude festival.

What does summer mean to you?

Summer means my birthday (July 4th) so lots of happy memories. It helps that
I’m a big fan of the sun and also keen on wild swimming, especially in the sea.

Have you been to any great exhibitions recently?

Modern Couples exhibition at The Barbican, Elizabeth Frink at the Sainsbury Centre,
Elizabethan Treasures at National Portrait Gallery, Cedric Morris at The Garden Museum and Dior
at the V&A in London; a real mix really.

Where are your favourite galleries in the world?

A long list that has both painting and decorative art galleries… Tate Modern
in London, MOMA in NewYork, Peggy Guggenheim inVenice, Kettle’sYard in Cambridge, Pallant
House in Chichester. The V&A in London, Musee Rodin, Chahan Galerie and Galerie Van Der
Straeten in Paris (my Francophile side).

What’s in the pipeline for 2019? Do you have any trips
planned?

Creating a venue at my new studio; the perfect gallery space is attached to the
property. Plus I have a couple of shows in the near future, an invitation to exhibit at the
Florence Biennale and a painting residency in Madrid in September.There is also the house that
friends are renovating in Puglia which I plan to visit over the summer.